Mechanics of energy harvesters based on tensegrity solar facades

Abstract

This work is focused on the computational design of tensegrity shading systems of energy efficient buildings which mitigate air conditioning consumption and optimize the energy performance of the building. It is concerned with the design of active solar façade screens based on lightweight tensegrity units, which are easily integrated with energy harvesting piezoelectric cables. The unit cells of the analyzed screens are controlled by tensioning and releasing selected cables of the structure and are used to direct the shading panels towards the sun. A numerical procedure simulates the dynamics of the analyzed tensegrity façades, by considering the opening and closure motions of the screens, and the vibrations produced by the action of dynamic wind forces. The energy harvesting ability of the proposed façade is numerically estimated.